A light and luscious no-bake dessert bursting with citrusy flavor and creamy goodness—this dreamy pie brings all the nostalgic vibes of an orange creamsicle in a cool, refreshing slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Simplicity – Perfect for warm days or when you need a quick dessert.
- Nostalgic Flavor – Tastes just like a classic creamsicle.
- Light & Refreshing – Not overly rich, just creamy and bright.
- Kid-Approved – Fun and fruity for all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Ideal for prepping in advance for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin
- ⅔ cup boiling water
- 1 cup ice cold water
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
- Mandarin orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water. Whisk for about 2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Add the ice cold water and continue whisking until the mixture turns frothy.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Pour the creamy orange filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
- Garnish with mandarin orange slices just before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Variations
- Orange Creamsicle Bars: Pour into a square pan and cut into bars instead of pie slices.
- Citrus Twist: Try lemon or lime Jell-O for a different flavor.
- Layered Look: Add a layer of crushed mandarin oranges or orange zest in the middle.
- Crust Swap: Use a vanilla wafer or Oreo crust instead of graham cracker.
- Top it Off: Add whipped cream, white chocolate curls, or orange zest.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen (without garnish) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Not applicable as this is a chilled dessert.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, just whip about 1½ cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
What other crusts can I use?
Oreo, vanilla wafer, or shortbread crusts all work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s even better made the day before.
Can I use sugar-free Jell-O?
Yes, sugar-free Jell-O works just as well.
How do I prevent the pie from being too runny?
Make sure to let the filling chill and thicken before pouring into the crust.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use a gluten-free crust.
Can I add fruit into the filling?
Yes, fold in mandarin oranges or pineapple tidbits.
What can I serve this with?
It’s delicious on its own, but also great with extra whipped cream or fresh berries.
Does it hold up well at room temperature?
It’s best served chilled; don’t leave it out for more than 1 hour.
Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O?
Yes! Strawberry, raspberry, or peach are all fun alternatives.
Conclusion
Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Pie is the ultimate no-bake treat—cool, creamy, and full of nostalgic charm. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings!
Print
Dreamy Orange Creamsicle Pie
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (Chill Time: 4 hours 30 minutes)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and luscious no-bake dessert with citrusy flavor and creamy goodness—this dreamy pie tastes just like an orange creamsicle.
Ingredients
1 (3 oz) box orange Jell-O gelatin
2/3 cup boiling water
1 cup ice cold water
1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
Mandarin orange slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, dissolve the orange Jell-O in boiling water; whisk for about 2 minutes.
Add ice cold water and whisk until frothy.
Fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
Pour into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
Garnish with mandarin orange slices before serving, if desired.
Notes
For extra citrus kick, add a bit of orange zest into the mix.
Substitute whipped cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days—great for make-ahead desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No-Bake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American